The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has advised market women in Akwa Ibom to regularly clear drains and properly dispose of waste in their vicinity to forestall flood disasters.

Mmandu Aisueni, NEMA’s head of operations in Akwa Ibom, gave the advice during a sensitisation rally for traders in Akpan Andem market, Udo Umana, Johnson and Ndiya Streets, all in the Uyo metropolis, on Monday.

Ms Aisueni, represented by Awoji Augustine, a principal accountant in their office, said the rally was in collaboration with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).

The NEMA official emphasised the importance of proper waste management, saying it promotes a healthy and sustainable environment.

Ms Aisueni said the sensitisation was part of NEMA’s strategy to prepare traders across the state on the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) 2025 prediction.

She said NiMET had listed Akwa Ibom among states likely to record the highest amount of rainfall in the year, ranging from 250 to 290 days, with the attendant risk of flooding and spread of cholera among others.

“We have been able to educate the traders on proper waste management by keeping the market clean. We have equally enlightened them on the dangers involved in dumping refuse in gutters,” she said.

Ms Aisueni expressed the hope that using multiple languages, such as English, pidgin and Ibibio during the sensitisation would enhance understanding of the message.

The state coordinator of NESREA, Deborah Dasimaka, expressed displeasure over the use of non-biodegradable polythene bags in the market.

“The polythene bags used in buying and selling goods are not biodegradable because they will end up in drainage systems; we really want the reduction of plastics because it constitute nuisance in our environment,” she said.

She added that Akwa Ibom, one of the coastal states, is prone to flooding, and it is advisable for traders and everyone to stop the habit of dumping refuse in the drains.

NEMA officials distributed handbills and placards carrying messages such as “Stop disposing of refuse in gutters”, “Do not block drains” and “Keep your environment clean.”

(NAN)